Too many new homes

Saddleworth Parish Council reports

MORE affordable housing, less development and public services spread throughout villages is what Saddleworth needs, according to Councillor Mike Buckley.

Key issues affecting the district were brought to light following discussions about the Local Development Framework (LDF).

It revealed a total of 625 new homes were built in the area over the past five years, which accounted to 46 per cent of all new developments across the borough.

Councillor Buckley said the figures supported residents’ views that there was too much building in Saddleworth and he had asked for a cap to stop over development.

The LDF showed that there had been loss of employment sites in Saddleworth, such as old mills converted into housing, and it was viewed as ‘not a good place’ for employment.
However, Councillor Buckley said, while heavy industry was not suited to Saddleworth, the number of people working from their homes should be reflected in the LDF.

Uppermill was seen as the district centre of Saddleworth, but Councillor Buckley said people should not have to come to Uppermill for services. And he added that villages should remain separate by not sacrificing greenfield sites for development.

He said: “People felt the character of Saddleworth was being eroded by high density developments such as flats.

“Planning officers are not aware enough of what looks right.”

Concern over civic hall

CONCERNS were raised about the Civic Hall modernisation project going ahead without the parish council having seen a proper business plan.

Councillor Ken Hulme said: “We are talking about spending well in excess of half a million pounds.

“Any discussion about that huge commitment should be taken in the context of where we are going with the parish plan.”

Councillor Brian Lord said the parish council could not afford to stand still if they wanted something suitable for this new century.

Councillor Alma McInnes, chairman, reassured councillors that nothing would be decided until a proper business case had been brought to full council.


Name first

DISCUSSION over new Oldham Council signs for Saddleworth saw most councillors agree that they should have the village name first, followed by the district.

New council signs, which will be in turquoise and white, are being installed in towns across the borough.